Eremobiotus ovezovae, Biserov, 1992

Remarks on Eremobiotus ovezovae View in CoL

Species: Eremobiotus ovezovae Biserov, 1992

Material examined

A single paratype of E. ovezovae (slide No. 3358), donated by Biserov, was examined and measured ( SM.07). Remarks

The species, only reported from Turkmenistan, exhibits a distinctive claw morphology, markedly different from the other known Eremobiotus species. The examination of the paratype with PCM revealed a likely similar situation to the other two species of Eremobiotus concerning peribuccal structures and claws. A circular sensory field is visible with PCM; peribuccal structures look like papular lamellae with PCM, but it is essential to check the morphology through SEM analysis to verify the presence of a continuous buccal ring (as in E. alicatai ). Internal claws of legs I – III of modified Isohypsibius -type (with an angle between branches of ca. 160 – 180°) do not always exhibit a clear 180° angle between branches; instead, they often have a narrower angle.

The redescription of E. ovezovae may lead to different scenarios on the peribuccal structures, including:

1. Confirmation of the hypothesis that E. ovezovae possesses a continuous buccal ring and 6 peribuccal lobes with SEM, alongside maintaining all three species within the Eremobiotus genus, if supported by molecular data

2. Confirmation of the hypothesis that E. ovezovae has a continuous buccal ring and 6 papular peribuccal lobes with SEM (similarly to the Calohypsibius peribuccal structures arrangement), but leading to the establishment of a new genus for E. alicatai and E. ginevrae , if supported by molecular data

3. Confirmation of Biserov’s description, i.e., the presence of papular lamellae and 6 peribuccal lobes, which might prompt the erection of a new genus for E. alicatai and E. ginevrae , if also supported by molecular data

Depending on further analysis on this interesting species, the scenario concerning Eremobiotus composition could change.